Current mood:

happy

On the Road Again & Back in the Saddle
Activities
Wednesday, Nov 4th, Road Run (Hills 4.5 miles)
Saturday, Nov 7th, 20 mile Road Run AND 20 mile road bike ride
Sunday Road Hills Aborted Due to Heavy Rain

I decided I needed a break from the rigors and time commitment of training for a trail race particularly during the holiday months of November and December.  I have been itching to run a road marathon for a while now, and the perfect opportunity has come up.  I have a business trip to Phoenix the week of the Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon.  I did not even realize this, but I mentioned to my dad (who lives there) the dates I was coming up, and he provided the inspiration by sending me the link to the marathon.  Training for Phoenix is a great opportunity for me to relax from the longer trail distances, do my runs closer to home, regain some speed, and scratch that road marathon itch.  Since I like to train with a group, I decided to join a local running group that offers a month by month training program for road running.  I have signed up for November and December, and this morning was my first run. The group meets on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

When I arrived Saturday morning, there was a huge group of road runners (like 200 of them) milling about. All were training for various races and the route provided three distances 16 miles, 18 miles, and 20 miles .... being the ultra runner that I am - I opted for the 20 mile route.  I had a great run and was home and showered by 11:00 am which was a nice change.  I think I made the right choice and know that I will be missing the trail come January when I start training for the Jemez Mountain Trail Race with my regular trail group.  I was telling my husband this morning that what I need is to miss the trail -- I did notice that I was pretty sore later in the day after the run.  The roads do tend to abuse the body.

I other sporting news, I just got a new road bike! My husband brought it home on Friday.  It is the nicest and the lightest bike I have ever owned.  It has a frame made from carbon and aluminum.  The opportunity came up for me and William to get out and ride Saturday afternoon.  We did 20 miles. It was great and a good way to loosen up my legs afer the long run.